TOC is an association of horse owners who recognize that the current health of California racing is threatened by a diminishing number of race horses, smaller fields, spiraling costs, disagreements over the efficacy of simulcasting, and bewilderment over new technologies that could forever change the face of racing. When TOC was founded, it's objective was to serve as a new voice for the broad interests of thoroughbred owners. Its goal was to improve and increase the representation of horse owners in the day-to-day activities of racing. In doing so, it served as an independent observer of the official horsemen's organization, questioning where appropriate the policies, objectives, and activities of that organization.

Today TOC serves as the CHRB-recognized representative of owners and has taken a primary role in the California horseracing industry. As a licensing category, owners far outnumber any other category of participant licensed by the California Horse Racing Board. They are the single largest continuing investor in racing, and provide the State with unparalleled tax revenues. They are united by a "love of the game". TOC believes that if given the opportunity many owners will personally work toward common goals to improve the overall economics of the game for horse owners and to protect and enhance its integrity.

Owners have for too long been ignored. TOC is now their recognized vehicle, and strives to protect the economic interests and investment of all horsemen and to gain public recognition of horseracing as a vital form of entertainment deserving of support, protection and preservation.

TOC recognizes a pressing need for the racing industry to move into the 21st century. Decisions and opinions founded on historical precedent tend to be anachronistic and unproductive. TOC looks to initiative and innovation to better the industry as a whole.

It's policy will be to work closely with all segments of this fragmented industry-to create coalitions as industry-wide policies are formulated, developed and implemented.

The overall purpose of TOC is to provide effective leadership to the Thoroughbred racing industry in California. Among its objectives are:

1. assuring competent representation of California Thoroughbred owners in its negotiations with racing associations and before regulatory and legislative bodies, while expanding membership involvement in TOC's activities;

2. improving the economics of horse ownership, through:

a. fair tax policies which eliminate the discriminatory tax burdens on Thoroughbred owners, which will free up additional purse revenues;

b. promoting expanded horse racing wagering opportunities, through added simulcasting, phone betting and Internet betting;

c. supporting marketing programs to better sell horseracing to the public with the purpose of increasing track attendance and participation as well as revenue;

d. developing other revenue sources, such as sponsorships; and

e. developing cost efficiencies.

3. assuring efficient simulcasting while preserving and improving live racing in the northern and southern regions of California;

4. improving the quality of simulcast production, utilizing the talents of skills of TOC members with television and film production experience.

5. increasing purses while assuring a fair distribution between stakes and overnights and all other categories of races;

6. supporting the development of national centralized marketing programs to increase fan involvement throughout the country.

7. improving marketing and sales programs to improve bottom line profitability, using the personal expertise of individuals owners;

8. promoting the integrity of the game, acting as a watchdog with respect to the fair administration of the rules of racing and the modification of such rules when they enhance the games integrity;

9. communicating regularly with its member s on TOC's activities; soliciting membership input on the direction of TOC's policies and activities;

10. attracting new owners, through various programs such as horse courses and seminars, as well as providing more sophisticated programs for experienced owners;

11. pursuing policies to improve the quality of California's breeding programs, with the purpose of improving the overall quality of California's racing programs;

12. creating a coalition of "horsemen", coordinating the efforts of various segments of the industry, including owners, trainers, breeders, jockeys, veterinarians, farriers, etc., as well as other groups and individuals impacting the industry toward the realization of common goals.

Approved by TOC Board: February 5, 1998